Benefits and risks of Gastric Bypass surgery


How Well GBS Works

Most people who have gastric bypass surgery quickly begin to lose weight and continue to lose weight for up to 12 months. One study noted that people lost about one-third of their excess weight (the weight above what is considered healthy) in 1 to 4 years. Some of the lost weight may be regained.
The laparoscopic approach showed similar results, with 69% to 82% of excess weight lost over 12 to 54 months.

Risks of GBS

Risks common to all surgeries for weight loss include an infection in the incision, a leak from the stomach into the abdominal cavity or where the intestine is connected (resulting in an infection called peritonitis), and a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism). About one-third of all people having surgery for obesity develop gallstones or a nutritional deficiency condition such as anemia or osteoporosis.

Fewer than 3 in 200 (1.5%) people die after surgery for weight loss.

All surgeries have risk, and it is important for you and your health professional to discuss your treatment options to decide what is best for your situation.

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